Talking with your hands helps listeners separate an obJECT from an OBject

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Talking with your hands, or specifically what is known as 'beat gestures', can influence what speech sounds we perceive and can help people pick up stresses on different parts of a word, for example distinguishing OBject from obJECT. Beat gestures Read more about Talking with your hands helps listeners separate an obJECT from an OBject

Variety is the spice of life, at least for sparrows

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

For the last 2,000 years there has been debate about whether a more varied social group benefits the individuals in it. Experiments with house sparrows suggest that groups containing different personality types (in terms of exploratory behaviour) Read more about Variety is the spice of life, at least for sparrows

Being transparent about COVID testing benefits the workplace

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Journal of the Royal Society Interface

A simulation model for small workplaces shows that workers who are open about testing for COVID-19 and their test results translate into improved workplace productivity and minimised infections, compared to those employees who keep such information Read more about Being transparent about COVID testing benefits the workplace

Even very young kids can socially distance at school

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

Measures to reduce COVID-19 spread in English primary schools reduced close in-person contacts by 50-80 per cent, according to UK research. Researchers surveyed teachers from 34 UK primary schools on close contacts before and after distancing Read more about Even very young kids can socially distance at school

Sorry, but you are probably fatter than an elephant

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Journal of Experimental Biology

Do you think elephants are fat? Well, they're probably less podgy than you, according to international scientists. They measured fat levels in 35 female and nine male captive Asian elephants, and say they carry less body fat than the average person. Read more about Sorry, but you are probably fatter than an elephant

NT alcohol policies reduce ICU admissions

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

Anaestesia and Intensive Care

The introduction of alcohol harm limitation policies in Central Australia from 2018 have had a marked effect on critical health figures, with a 38% relative reduction in Hospital Intensive Care Unit admissions associated with alcohol misuse, as well Read more about NT alcohol policies reduce ICU admissions

Why does Flu get worse as we age - and is it the same for COVID?

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Clinical & Translational Immunology

Elderly people who contract the Flu seem to produce fewer immune 'emergency' signals from infected cells, and therefore a slower immune response to infection than younger people, according to Aussie researchers. The team also found that regardless Read more about Why does Flu get worse as we age - and is it the same for COVID?

Long-term study reveals harm in regular cannabis use

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Drug and Alcohol Review

Regular cannabis use has harmful effects regardless of the age a person starts using, a University of Queensland-led study has found. The study examined people who began regular cannabis use in high school or in their early 20s, and compared both Read more about Long-term study reveals harm in regular cannabis use

Skink social network may help save species

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

Reptiles, apart from dinosaurs, aren’t usually thought of as particularly sociable. However, researchers from the University of Otago found that social groups of between two and eight endangered Otago skinks in Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary persisted Read more about Skink social network may help save species

Early antibiotic use could have an effect on growth

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Communications

Exposure to antibiotics in the first few weeks of life is associated with reduced weight and height in boys up to the age of six, but not girls, according to international researchers who suggest this effect may be due to changes in the development Read more about Early antibiotic use could have an effect on growth

Three-day old blind mice, see how they 'run' to their mums

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Cell Reports

Three day old mice, still blind, can recognise their mum, and they retain this memory later in life. Experiments showed that the babies preferentially orientate to their caregiver (biological or foster mother) if given a choice between her and an Read more about Three-day old blind mice, see how they 'run' to their mums

Putting bugs on the menu, safely

Publicly released: Wed 27 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Food Chemistry

The thought of eating insects is stomach turning for many, but new Edith Cowan University (ECU) research is shedding light on allergy causing proteins which could pose serious health risks for those suffering from shellfish allergy. The research, Read more about Putting bugs on the menu, safely

No fans, no fights - did sporting matches get less heated during COVID?

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

Humanities & Social Sciences Communications

Sporting matches may have been less emotional in 2020, according to international research, which suggests that the absence of supporters at Austrian Bundesliga soccer games during the COVID pandemic resulted in fewer arguments or emotional Read more about No fans, no fights - did sporting matches get less heated during COVID?

Air pollution linked to increased risk of progressive and irreversible blindness

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

British Journal of Ophthalmology

Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of progressive and irreversible sight loss, known as age-related macular degeneration, according to UK research. The study of over 100,000 people found that people who were exposed to higher fine Read more about Air pollution linked to increased risk of progressive and irreversible blindness

Afternoon naps may boost your brain

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

General Psychiatry

If you were looking for an excuse to sneak in a quick siesta, Chinese scientists say taking a regular afternoon nap may be linked to improved mental agility. They studied 2,214 people, 1,534 of whom enjoyed a regular afternoon snooze, and say a Read more about Afternoon naps may boost your brain

Music can soothe following major heart surgery

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

Open Heart

Listening to music is linked to a significant reduction in anxiety and pain after major heart surgery, according to Dutch scientists who brought together previous research on the subject and re-analysed the pooled results. As music has neither risks Read more about Music can soothe following major heart surgery

Musicians have more connected brains than non-musicians, even without perfect pitch

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

JNeurosci

The brains of musicians have stronger structural and functional connections compared to those of non-musicians, according to international research. Musicians that began their training at a younger age also had stronger structural connections than Read more about Musicians have more connected brains than non-musicians, even without perfect pitch

Discovery makes the invisible visible

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Photonics

Australian scientists have discovered a new way to analyse microscopic cells, tissues and other transparent specimens, through the improvement of an almost 100-year-old imaging technique. Australian scientists have discovered a new way to analyse Read more about Discovery makes the invisible visible

Seaweed's spread around the world reflected in its genomes

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Ecology & Evolution

The intentional and unintentional spread of the seaweed Undaria pinnatifida to other parts of the world has left genetic traces on its genomes, an international study involving New Zealand researchers has found. While native to Northeast Asia, the Read more about Seaweed's spread around the world reflected in its genomes

Smoking increases your risk of severe COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

The more packets of cigarettes you smoke over your lifetime, the higher your risk may be of being hospitalised or dying from COVID-19, according to US research. Previously evidence to link smoking to COVID-19 risk had been limited and often Read more about Smoking increases your risk of severe COVID-19

Social immunity in a social insect

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Honey bees are able to combat the parasitic Varroa mite through social immunity. This is a collective behavioural defence strategy that involves Varroa-infected brood releasing chemicals than stimulate worker bees to remove the parasitised larvae. Read more about Social immunity in a social insect

Kakadu food scraps provide ancient rainfall clues

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Ecology and Evolution

Archaeologists are generating a 65,000-year-old rainfall record from ancient food scraps found at Australia’s earliest-known site of human occupation. University of Queensland researcher Dr Anna Florin said the research was giving a glimpse into Read more about Kakadu food scraps provide ancient rainfall clues

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have almost double the dementia risk

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Neurology

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia, according to a US study. Additional studies are needed to examine potential mechanisms underlying the association between Agent Orange exposure and dementia. Read more about Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have almost double the dementia risk

Pre-Incan gold – guano created agricultural oases in the Atacama desert

Publicly released: Tue 26 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Plants

Parts of Chile’s Atacama desert became an unlikely food bowl thanks to bird poo. Analysis of plant and food remains found that around 1,100 years ago their nitrogen isotope content rose substantially, particularly for maize. Similar patterns of Read more about Pre-Incan gold – guano created agricultural oases in the Atacama desert

EXPERT REACTION: TGA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 1232 AEDT | 1432 NZDT

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today announced that it has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia. It is the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved in Australia. Australian experts comment below. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: TGA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Providing insight into how the brain may have evolved

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 1204 AEDT | 1404 NZDT

Nature Ecology & Evolution

Researchers from The University of Western Australia have uncovered evidence of an important genetic step in the evolution of the brain. The finding highlights how genetic events that took place in our fish-like ancestors play crucial roles in human Read more about Providing insight into how the brain may have evolved

Global demand for cancer surgery set to surge

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 1046 AEDT | 1246 NZDT

The Lancet Oncology

A new modelling study led by UNSW predicts demand for cancer surgery will rise by 52 per cent within two decades, with low-income countries bearing the greatest burden. Public health researchers, led by UNSW Sydney, have estimated the number of Read more about Global demand for cancer surgery set to surge

What you need to know about hydrogen energy

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0959 AEDT | 1159 NZDT

N/A

Several announcements were made last week regarding hydrogen research and development in Australia, including the development of an Australian hydrogen battery. Andrew Forrest of Fortescue Metals last week said “green” hydrogen will give Read more about What you need to know about hydrogen energy

Need for school children to return to sport

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

As the school year begins, the call for more children to participate in organised sport has never been louder - but problems that sports organisers face are compounded by indifference from parents, in addition to worries about COVID-19 restrictions. Read more about Need for school children to return to sport

Scientists use a novel ink to 3D print ‘bone’ with living cells

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0730 AEDT | 0930 NZDT

Advanced Functional Materials

3D printers may one day become a permanent fixture of the operating theatre after UNSW scientists showed they could print bone-like structures containing living cells. Using a 3D-printer that deploys a special ink made up of calcium phosphate, the Read more about Scientists use a novel ink to 3D print ‘bone’ with living cells

CSIRO's circular economy roadmap charts path to triple job creation

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

A new roadmap released today by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has developed key strategies for creating jobs and reclaiming billions in economic value from plastic, glass, paper and tyres currently going into landfill. The National Read more about CSIRO's circular economy roadmap charts path to triple job creation

Do you actually know how drunk you are?

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

Drug and Alcohol Review

Aussie researchers have found that if you've only had one or two drinks you are probably reasonably accurate at guessing if you'd be over the limit, but once your blood alcohol levels get to around 2-3 times the legal drinking limit, you and your Read more about Do you actually know how drunk you are?

Sport may fast-track numeracy skills for Indigenous children

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Australian Journal of Education

Greater sports participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is linked with better academic performance, according to new research from the University of South Australia. Greater sports participation among Aboriginal and Torres Read more about Sport may fast-track numeracy skills for Indigenous children

Aussie GPs need to better screen for harmful alcohol use

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

Aussies don’t see a need for major changes in regard to alcohol use, and support for policies which reduce alcohol-related harms that are based on the strongest evidence is declining, according to an Aussie expert. In a Perspective article, he Read more about Aussie GPs need to better screen for harmful alcohol use

Heart disease risk is higher in cancer survivors

Publicly released: Mon 25 Jan 2021 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

MJA

Death among people with cancer who survive at least 5 years after diagnosis is higher than for the general population, particularly in terms of heart disease, according to Aussie researchers. They analysed SA Cancer Registry data for all people Read more about Heart disease risk is higher in cancer survivors

Continuous monitoring of proteins a game-changer for patients with rapidly deteriorating conditions

Publicly released: Sun 24 Jan 2021 at 1533 AEDT | 1733 NZDT

ACS Sensors

A world-first discovery by Australian researchers could become a game-changer for patients at risk of rapid health deterioration, such as heart complications, stroke, sepsis and cancer. Traditional diagnostic tests involve sampling tissue, blood or Read more about Continuous monitoring of proteins a game-changer for patients with rapidly deteriorating conditions

Electric avenues: AI suggests where to put electric car chargers

Publicly released: Sat 23 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Patterns

An artificial intelligence system has been trained to read reviews of more than 12,000 US electric vehicle charging stations, to identify where there are too few or non-functioning stations and other issues. The program was able to assess reviews Read more about Electric avenues: AI suggests where to put electric car chargers

Tweets show the good, the bad, and the ugly of lockdown

Publicly released: Sat 23 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

PLoS ONE

In South Africa the Covid-19 lockdown had a significant negative impact on happiness. This was measured using sentiment analysis of Twitter posts (between January and June), with every tweet labelled as having either a positive, neutral or Read more about Tweets show the good, the bad, and the ugly of lockdown

Bee gone? A quarter of bee species haven’t been seen in 30 years

Publicly released: Sat 23 Jan 2021 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

One Earth

While reports and records of animal species have increased dramatically over the last few decades, the number of bee species being reported has declined, down 25% since 1990. Argentinian researchers used the Global Biodiversity Information Facility Read more about Bee gone? A quarter of bee species haven’t been seen in 30 years

Record-breaking laser link could help us test whether Einstein was right

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Nature Communications

Scientists from Western Australia have set a world record for the most stable transmission of a laser signal through the atmosphere. The team combined Aussie ‘phase stabilisation’ technology with advanced self-guiding optical terminals to Read more about Record-breaking laser link could help us test whether Einstein was right

Revealing the secrets to solar success

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Science

A new study shows how researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) achieved a world record in solar cell efficiency. The study focused on perovskite solar cells – made using a special group of materials which are cheap and easy to Read more about Revealing the secrets to solar success

PTSD link to pandemic panic

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1439 AEDT | 1639 NZDT

PLoS ONE

Even at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, people around the world became  more fearful of what could happen to them or their family. A new Flinders University study of 1040 online participants from five western countries published in Read more about PTSD link to pandemic panic

Truth-telling vital for Australia's unity

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1430 AEDT | 1630 NZDT

Australia will not be comfortable celebrating its national day until we have greater racial understanding, based on truthful retelling of history, academics say. However, they say we can be encouraged by our multicultural cohesion and growing Read more about Truth-telling vital for Australia's unity

Making protein 'superfoods' from marine algae

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1400 AEDT | 1600 NZDT

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Marine microalgae-based cellular agriculture is a promising new way to sustainably produce plant-based ‘meat’ and healthy ‘superfoods’ for the future. Researchers at Flinders University’s Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development (CMBD) in Read more about Making protein 'superfoods' from marine algae

The National Youth Science Forum 2021 Year 12 Program closing event: Meet the Chiefs

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

Today nearly 600 young people from all over Australia will gather online to celebrate the end of the National Youth Science Forum’s (NYSF) 2021 Year 12 Program and inform them of the opportunities to come. Part of the celebrations will include a Read more about The National Youth Science Forum 2021 Year 12 Program closing event: Meet the Chiefs

Could COVID quarantine be reduced to a week?

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

The Lancet Public Health

Quarantine time after contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case could potentially be reduced to seven days, according to a modelling study. The study looked at infected people’s potential viral load and the sensitivity of COVID-19 tests, and Read more about Could COVID quarantine be reduced to a week?

Severe allergic reaction extremely rare with Pfizer COVID vaccine

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

JAMA Insights

Severe allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis, to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine are rare, with around 11 cases for every million doses administered, say US scientists. During December 14 to 23, 2020, there were 1,893,360 first doses of Read more about Severe allergic reaction extremely rare with Pfizer COVID vaccine

Evidence of the virus behind COVID-19 found in the cornea

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

JAMA Ophthalmology

Genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in the cornea of patients with COVID-19, according to German research. But despite this, the authors say the risk of COVID-19 infection via corneal transplant is low Read more about Evidence of the virus behind COVID-19 found in the cornea

EXPERT Q&A: Answering your questions about COVID-19 variants

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

With reports of new COVID-19 strains emerging in the UK, South Africa, and Brazil, an Australian expert answers key questions about the new strains and how they might impact the current COVID-19 vaccines. Read more about EXPERT Q&A: Answering your questions about COVID-19 variants

Social pressure vs doing the right thing - what matters more for social distancing?

Publicly released: Fri 22 Jan 2021 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

British Journal of Psychology

Social pressure may be more influential than personal belief when it comes to following COVID-19 guidelines, according to an international study of over 6,500 people in 114 countries. The study found that people followed social distancing guidelines Read more about Social pressure vs doing the right thing - what matters more for social distancing?